According to The Times, the agreements could be closed only for the sleeve of the jersey, leaving only the noblest place free of exhibition of companies in the sector. The movement of the clubs, even though they are aware of the loss of revenue, has an explanation: if they do not spontaneously accept it, government legislation will be activated to completely prohibit the advertising of games of chance.
A new regulation on sports sponsorship will be launched by the government, but the ministers stated that they did not include the sports scope, in case the teams agree with the measures.
The Times reported that the proposal to remove master advertising from sports betting companies will be discussed by clubs in anticipation of a government law that could completely ban this type of advertising.
In April, a document signed by the clubs may already be published for voting and ratification at the meeting scheduled for June. A three-year period would then be requested to implement the measure without implying breaches of the contract signed between teams and sports betting sites.
As of the current season, eight out of twenty Premier League clubs have a master betting company. Fulham and Newcastle's contracts expire at the end of the season. The Big Six, formed by Manchester United, Manchester City, Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham, does not promote bookmakers in the main space.
The Times also informed that a club form the Premier League would see its income reduced by £5–10 million per season if it agreed to drop its betting sponsor.
Prohibition is nothing new in England
The English Football League (EFL), responsible for the three levels of professional football below the Premier, points out that the ban could generate a negative impact of £ 40 million a year.
As it is known, the topic has been debated for some time. A House of Lords committee already addressed the ban in 2020. A review of the Gambling Act was later released by the DCMS in December 2020, stating that such stakes could be banned from 2023.
In April last year, the UK's Advertising Practice Committee (PAC) announced plans to ban betting advertisements using the likeness of sports celebrities and influencers.
In other important similar markets, Spain and Italy have already started similar movements to ban sponsorship contracts with betting companies.
Source: GMB
